The relationship between depressive symptoms, diabetes symptoms, and self-management among an urban, low-income Latino population

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of depression symptoms among Latinos with diabetes following transition from hospital to home and the relationship of depressive symptoms to diabetes symptom severity and self-management activities. Methods203 Latino patients with diagnosed diabetes completed a survey assessing depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), diabetes symptom severity, and diabetes self-management activities (SDSCA). Characteristics and diabetes outcomes between patients with and without probable major depression were compared. Associations between PHQ-9 scores and diabetes outcomes were assessed. Multivariate regression models evaluated the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes outcomes and exercise after controlling for patient characteristics. Results31.5% of participants indicated probable major depression (PHQ-9≥10). More severe diabetes symptoms and less reported exercise were associated with higher PHQ-9 scores. Regression models showed no relationship between self-management and depression. More severe diabetes symptoms were significantly associated with being female, married, and having probable major depression. Odds of exercising were reduced by 6% for every one-unit increase in PHQ-9 score. ConclusionsThe prevalence of probable depressive symptoms is high in this population. Having depressive symptoms is an indicator of poorer diabetes symptoms. Screening for depressive symptoms may help identify individuals who need additional support with diabetes symptom and self-management.